Damagum Challenges Agboola to Return Ondo to PDP in November Guber Election

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has charged the candidate of the party in the forthcoming Ondo State Governorship election, Hon. Ajayi Agboola, to return the state to the PDP fold.

Damagum gave the charge to him while presenting the certificate of return to him.

He also presented Agboola with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms.

“We all know Ondo State is a PDP state. I can conveniently say we got it right (with the choice of candidate) this time. You have to work hard with others to return the state to us.

He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of not conducting a free and transparent governorship primary election.

“At a time when our opponents could not put their acts together, but we in the opposition, much was expected of us and we shamed them. We produced a candidate without a dissenting voice. It’s because of what we have put in place that has made this possible,” he said.

He explained that the feat was made possible because of the various stakeholders  meetings organised by the parry.

“During our stakeholders’ meeting, we agreed that all the aspirants must come from the south, and by the grace of God, that is what happened. This shows the preparedness of the party to take over Ondo State.

“Even from the last election, we know that Ondo is PDP and from the stakeholders meeting and other engagements, we were able to come out with a single candidate,” Damagum stated.

In his acceptance speech titled: “Transitioning from Ineffective Leadership and Flawed Governance – A Time to Unite and Work for the People,” Agboola commended the exercise that produced him.

“This election is a defining moment for us;  It is about all of us coming together to chart a new course for Ondo State. It is about embracing our collective vision and aspirations for a better, more prosperous future, it therefore cannot be about me alone,” he said.